Ms Ellen Joncheere,
CEO, HRD Antwerp

HRD Antwerp is a global leader in diamond grading, jewellery grading and education. Tell us about some of the unique factors that has led HRD Antwerp in India to become successful? In brief also explain HRD Antwerp India's role for the Polki sector.
Jayant Kulkarni:

The historical significance of the Belgium and Indian diamond trade is what brought us to open our lab operations in India. Bringing the Antwerp Diamond Heritage to India was always in the plan. We started our lab operations in Mumbai in the year 2012 and now in the year 2022, we expanded our operations to a larger facility to keep up with the growing demand for our grading services.

The Polki or uncut diamond jewellery sector is growing internationally as we speak. Our ‘Authenticity Jewellery Report’ in India focuses on authenticating the polki diamonds in a traditional or conventional jewel for the stones to be natural or lab grown diamonds.

Mr Jayant Kulkarni,
Managing Director, HRD Antwerp, India

Technology is crucial for the diamond sector especially with the emergence of new developments in the market. Our company owned labs in Antwerp, Dubai and Mumbai have the technological capacity accompanied by the expertise of our research scientists and expert graders. The first step in our process for loose and mounted diamonds is to identify if the submitted stones are natural, treated or lab grown diamonds. With our in-house research department, we constantly strive to update our technology and knowledge to assure our customers of the diamonds they buy or sell.

Lab grown diamonds are making headway in various sectors and the size of stones are only increasing thanks to technological advancements. How do you see HRD Antwerp's role in servicing the Lab grown sector in India?
Jayant Kulkarni:

The lab grown diamond market is growing on a global level. We have been grading lab grown diamonds in loose and mounted conditions for the last few years. On the manufacturing front, India is showing a growth in the cutting and polishing of lab grown diamonds. However, the supply is a direct attribution towards the demand in international markets.

While the size of Lab grown diamonds are increasing, we are also witnessing a series of "coloured lab grown diamonds' that are produced by leading growers. What is your opinion on this?
Ellen Joncheere:

We have seen an increase in fancy coloured lab grown diamonds submitted for certification and for research purposes. Our ‘HRD Talks’ published in December 2021, drew the audience’s attention towards such samples. The talk conducted by one of our research scientists highlighted the identification process and the outcome. At HRD Antwerp, we strive to use the best of our knowledge combined with expertise and technology to analyse each stone submitted to our lab and to ensure that no stone goes undetected.

Consumer awareness is key to the success of Lab Grown diamonds. Is it true? If yes, what are thoughts on consumer awareness programs that can be planned in the consumer segment?
Ellen Joncheere:

Consumer awareness is essential at this moment. We regularly conduct seminars to assist and guide consumers about diamonds and lab grown diamonds. As a lab and via our education, we impart knowledge, however the end decision lies with the consumer on what they want to purchase.

Lastly, what is the main factor that is important according to you for increasing the export of cut and polish lab grown diamonds from India into US Europe and other buying economies?
Jayant Kulkarni:

The main factor that will increase the export of cut and polished lab grown diamonds into the international markets is Transparency – A stone must be accompanied with an internationally reputed grading laboratory. If we view the situation as a consumer, they want to know what they are buying and for which they are paying. Transparency can be accomplished with the above said factor.